Weekends in Istanbul

Editor Istanbul

Sep 30 511 read

Weekends in Istanbul

With a population of over 15 million people, it's occasionally essential to go away and enjoy some much-needed peace and quiet. Check out some of the finest weekend getaways from Istanbul's hustle and bustle. Istanbul is more than historical places or shopping. Let’s look at some natural areas close to Istanbul now.

Bursa

It is extremely simple to get from Istanbul to Bursa by water thanks to BUDO (Bursa Sea Buses), making the city a perfect weekend escape. Bursa is a must-see for history buffs since it was formerly the capital of the Ottoman Empire and therefore boasts a plethora of beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sapanca

Sapanca, which is just around two hours from Istanbul, is a sanctuary known for its beautiful scenery, pure air, and spa hotels. Sapanca Lake becomes a very popular beach in the summer, as the surrounding cafés fill up with joyful tourists. Maşukiye, a neighboring province, is a wonderful location to stroll through beautiful valleys and eat fresh seafood at one of the numerous local eateries.

Polonezköy

Polonezköy, founded in 1846 by Polish immigrants fleeing Poland's invasion, is another great weekend retreat inside a natural park. Hike on one of the numerous paths, learn about traditional Polish culture during the annual summer festival, and see the historic sites.

Yedigol

If you like camping, go to Yedigöller National Park, which gets its name from the seven tiny lakes that are surrounded by beautiful oak, alder, pine, and hazelnut tree woods. Aside from camping and just enjoying the beauty of nature, the park offers hot springs for bathing, hiking paths, and, of course, fishing at one of the numerous lakes.

Riva

Riva, a tiny hamlet on Istanbul's Asian side in the Beykoz district, offers a wonderful view of the sea, where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea. Stay at one of the hotels, eat at one of the many wonderful seafood restaurants, and enjoy a boat ride down the Riva River. The Riva Castle is likewise a significant historic monument, and the vista from its perched position is absolutely exquisite.

Agva

Agva is a natural refuge with numerous lovely rivers and is another peaceful retreat that is very romantic and therefore popular among young couples. Stay at one of the river lodges, go fishing, take a boat trip, visit the beach, and, of course, enjoy some fresh seafood by the water.

Şile

Another location to immerse oneself in peaceful village life, ile is renowned for its beaches and natural beauty, which entices city people on weekends. If you're not into resorts with their own private beaches, take a stroll around the peaceful streets of the town, particularly Sakligöl, a lake nearly hidden in the mountains where you can eat supper on the water or take a Bosphorus trip.